River Edge Land Use Board Approves Variances for Property Expansions

The River Edge Land Use Board approved several variances at its December 13, 2023 meeting, including a property expansion on Valley Road and a new deck installation on Spring Valley Avenue. The board also established its 2024 meeting calendar and addressed other procedural matters.

The primary focus of the meeting was the application of Daniel and Amanda Fitzpatrick for variance relief to expand their single-family residence on Valley Road. With their architect, Joseph Bruno, the Fitzpatricks proposed changes including enclosing an alcove in the existing deck, converting a bedroom into a mudroom, and adding a second-floor addition with new siding, stone, and roofing. The Fitzpatricks plan to remove the existing swimming pool and part of the deck, reducing lot coverage, and widening the driveway.

The board engaged in a discussion of the Fitzpatricks’ proposal, examining aspects such as lot coverage, impervious coverage, and front yard setback. Board members Eileen Boland and Ryan Gibbons expressed support for the project, emphasizing the reduction in coverage and the modest improvements to the property. Councilman Chinigo commended the Fitzpatricks and Bruno for addressing various aspects of the project. The board unanimously approved the front yard setback, lot coverage, and driveway width variances.

Another key topic was the application of Paul Yun for the installation of a proposed deck on Spring Valley Avenue. Mr. Yun requested an increase in the improved lot coverage from the required 35% to 39.3% to accommodate the deck. The board discussed the proposed deck, with Mr. Yun’s architect explaining the dimensions and design. Despite a complication involving a recused board member due to proximity to the property, the board approved Mr. Yun’s application for the deck construction, subject to the variance relief for increased lot coverage.

The board also addressed several administrative items. They revised the dates for the November 2024 meetings due to a potential scheduling conflict with Thanksgiving and confirmed a single meeting for December 2024. They also reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous meetings on November 8, 2023, and November 29, 2023.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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